Stopping superbugs in their tracks

Publicly released: Mon 19 Aug 2019 at 1700 AEST | 1900 NZST

Antibiotics

A team of researchers led by the University of South Australia has discovered a way to find and beat superbugs, providing a critical breakthrough against many deadly infectious diseases. Media Release. From:University of South Australia. A team of Read more about Stopping superbugs in their tracks - Scimex

Witnessing the collision between a black hole and a possible neutron star

Publicly released: Mon 19 Aug 2019 at 1500 AEST | 1700 NZST

Scientists may have witnessed the end of a neutron star as it was engulfed by a black hole. They know very precisely where in the sky this event occurred. So over the next few days, they will stare at this patch of sky, and will either observe a Read more about Witnessing the collision between a black hole and a possible neutron star - Scimex

Wimmera orchid introductions thriving

Publicly released: Mon 19 Aug 2019 at 1400 AEST | 1600 NZST

Concerted efforts by scientists, volunteers and landholders are leading to threatened orchids being successfully introduced into the wild. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria’s (RBGV) Orchid Conservation Program, led by Research Scientist Dr Noushka Read more about Wimmera orchid introductions thriving - Scimex

Aussies who believe in fate and luck more likely to become gambling addicts

Publicly released: Mon 19 Aug 2019 at 1144 AEST | 1344 NZST

Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization

Australians who believe their lives are subject to uncontrollable external forces are more likely to become problem gamblers than those who directly link their actions with tangible results, according to a new study published in Journal of Economic Read more about Aussies who believe in fate and luck more likely to become gambling addicts - Scimex

Cut antibiotic use in animals for the sake of our health

Publicly released: Mon 19 Aug 2019 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

MJA

Large volumes of antibiotics are used in food-producing animals in Australia, say Australian experts, who argue that reducing this amount is critical to addressing antibiotic resistance in humans. The researchers found that an average of 182 tonnes Read more about Cut antibiotic use in animals for the sake of our health - Scimex

Feral cats are not just deadly predators, they may also spread disease

Publicly released: Mon 19 Aug 2019 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

Wildlife Research

Feral cats are not only savage hunters, they may be spreading unwanted parasitic diseases to our native wildlife, according to Australian researchers. Toxoplasma gondii is a cat-borne parasite that causes disease in a range of species, but kangaroos Read more about Feral cats are not just deadly predators, they may also spread disease - Scimex

uSEE unlocks the nanoscale world on standard biology lab equipment

Publicly released: Sun 18 Aug 2019 at 1518 AEST | 1718 NZST

Nature Communications

The ability to observe how life works at a nanoscale level is a grand challenge of our time. Standard optical microscopes can image cells and bacteria but not their nanoscale features which are blurred by a physical effect called diffraction. Now, Read more about uSEE unlocks the nanoscale world on standard biology lab equipment - Scimex

Doctors can help parents talk to their teens about sex and alcohol

Publicly released: Sat 17 Aug 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA Network Open

There's little that makes parents and teens squirm more than a chat about 'the birds and the bees', but having this chat guided by a doctor may help to reduce the awkwardness and increase its effectiveness, according to research from the US. Talking Read more about Doctors can help parents talk to their teens about sex and alcohol - Scimex

A new global research agenda to advance primary health care and achieve Universal Health Care

Publicly released: Fri 16 Aug 2019 at 2000 AEST | 2200 NZST

BMJ Global Health

More than 75 policymakers, implementers, and researchers map the gaps in global knowledge and prioritize key questions in new BMJ Global Health special issue. Globally, primary health care is finally getting the attention it deserves. With the Read more about A new global research agenda to advance primary health care and achieve Universal Health Care - Scimex

Discovery of a bottleneck relief in photosynthesis may have a major impact on food crops

Publicly released: Fri 16 Aug 2019 at 1901 AEST | 2101 NZST

Communications Biology

Scientists have found how to relieve a bottleneck in the process by which plants transform sunlight into food, which may lead to an increase in crop production. They discovered that producing more of a protein that controls the rate in which Read more about Discovery of a bottleneck relief in photosynthesis may have a major impact on food crops - Scimex

Numbers count in the genetics of moles and melanomas

Publicly released: Fri 16 Aug 2019 at 1030 AEST | 1230 NZST

Journal of Investigative Dermatology

University of Queensland scientists have identified a way to help dermatologists determine a patient’s risk of developing melanoma. The team uncovered the specific gene variations affecting the number and types of moles on the body and their role Read more about Numbers count in the genetics of moles and melanomas - Scimex

US-Russia nuclear war would plunge the world into 10 years of darkness

Publicly released: Fri 16 Aug 2019 at 1000 AEST | 1200 NZST

Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres

If the US and Russia used up their current nuclear arsenals in war, the fires ignited by nuclear explosions could inject 150 Tg of soot into the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere, triggering a global nuclear winter. These soot aerosols would Read more about US-Russia nuclear war would plunge the world into 10 years of darkness - Scimex

Homes and offices can cut most of their carbon emissions with a few simple changes

Publicly released: Fri 16 Aug 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Joule

Upgrading the walls, windows, roofs and insulation of our homes and buildings and using smart software to control heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation are just some of the ways we could see carbon emissions from buildings slashed, according Read more about Homes and offices can cut most of their carbon emissions with a few simple changes - Scimex

Youth cannabis use declining

Publicly released: Fri 16 Aug 2019 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

New Zealand Medical Journal

Cannabis use among Kiwi youths declined between 2001 and 2012, according to a nationwide survey of secondary school students. The Youth 2000 surveys held in 2001, 2007 and 2012 recorded a decrease in the number of students who said they had used Read more about Youth cannabis use declining - Scimex

Consider car seats for older kids

Publicly released: Fri 16 Aug 2019 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

New Zealand Medical Journal

The numbers of kids aged 5-7 riding in car seats improved after legislation introduced in 2013 changed the age to which a child must be in an “appropriate approved child restraint”from the child's fifth to their seventh birthday. But researchers Read more about Consider car seats for older kids - Scimex

Call to ministry to support heart health

Publicly released: Fri 16 Aug 2019 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

New Zealand Medical Journal

We have a much better idea of what the risk factors are for cardiovascular disease, and the next step is to have a national tool that GPs can easily use to screen their patients, say New Zealand researchers. Data from a cohort study of 500, 000 New Read more about Call to ministry to support heart health - Scimex

Cannabis legislation outpacing medical profession

Publicly released: Fri 16 Aug 2019 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

New Zealand Medical Journal

The legislative changes to allow medicinal cannabis in New Zealand are outpacing the medical and legal frameworks doctors work in, according to researchers writing in the New Zealand Medical Journal. They say most cannabis-based products do not have Read more about Cannabis legislation outpacing medical profession - Scimex

Investigating the cause of stuttering

Publicly released: Fri 16 Aug 2019 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

Researchers need 3, 000 Australian stutterers for an international study that is searching for the genes in human DNA which cause stuttering. The largest study of its kind into stuttering aims to help develop treatments that target the speech Read more about Investigating the cause of stuttering - Scimex

Many girls start their periods before high school

Publicly released: Fri 16 Aug 2019 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

New Zealand Medical Journal

Nearly 50 per cent of Kiwi girls start their periods before they reach high school, according to researchers who say more education and resources are needed in these earlier years. National-level data on the age at first period hasn't been collected Read more about Many girls start their periods before high school - Scimex

Parents pleased with procedure to fix tongue-tied babies

Publicly released: Fri 16 Aug 2019 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

New Zealand Medical Journal

Some babies are born with their tongues anchored to the bottom of their mouths which makes it difficult for them to feed properly, so a common procedure to fix this snips the tether of skin holding the tongue down. Doctors at a general practice in Read more about Parents pleased with procedure to fix tongue-tied babies - Scimex

Hunting and human expansion hastened cave bear extinction

Publicly released: Thu 15 Aug 2019 at 2300 AEST | Fri 16 Aug 2019 at 0100 NZST

Scientific Reports

Cave bears were already in decline 10, 000 years before the last ice age began, about the same time modern humans spread throughout Europe, suggesting humans had a part to play in the bears' extinction. As the ice age took hold, cooling temperatures Read more about Hunting and human expansion hastened cave bear extinction - Scimex

Time and tide – how the Moon and other factors affect our oceans

Publicly released: Thu 15 Aug 2019 at 1600 AEST | 1800 NZST

We all know that tides are influenced by the Moon, but how does that connection work and how can we predict the tides more than a year in advance? They are just two of many questions the Bureau of Meteorology is answering this National Science Week Read more about Time and tide – how the Moon and other factors affect our oceans - Scimex

Wiggling it beats a path for a better performance at school

Publicly released: Thu 15 Aug 2019 at 1200 AEST | 1400 NZST

Psychology of Music

Marching, wiggling and tapping a beat aids young children to develop their self-regulation skills and improve school readiness, as shown in newly-published QUT early childhood research. Funder: No funding to acknowledge. Media Release. Read more about Wiggling it beats a path for a better performance at school - Scimex

New genetic testing tool for alpacas

Publicly released: Thu 15 Aug 2019 at 1000 AEST | 1200 NZST

Animal Genetics

A new genetic test that can help identify the genetic colour pattern found in an alpaca’s coat has been developed by Curtin University researchers. Media Release. From:Curtin University. A new genetic test that can help identify the genetic colour Read more about New genetic testing tool for alpacas - Scimex

Short bursts of high intensity exercise good for the brain

Publicly released: Thu 15 Aug 2019 at 0800 AEST | 1000 NZST

Perspectives on Psychological Science

You can't use the excuse that you don't have time to exercise anymore as a new study suggests even short bursts of exercise are good for your brain. Researchers from the University of Auckland pooled all the available data on the subject and found Read more about Short bursts of high intensity exercise good for the brain - Scimex

Ocean and air temperatures melted Antarctica's largest ice shelf

Publicly released: Thu 15 Aug 2019 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

Science Advances

Both and ocean and air temperatures played a role in the melting of ice sheet in the Ross embayment during the last period of glacial retreat, but melting from underneath due to ocean warming became more important over time. New Zealand researchers Read more about Ocean and air temperatures melted Antarctica's largest ice shelf - Scimex

Multitasking is just as hard for women as it is for men

Publicly released: Thu 15 Aug 2019 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

PLOS One

Women are not better than men at multitasking, according to German researchers who may have just put an end to the age-old argument. The study compared the abilities of 48 men and 48 women performing tasks that involved paying attention to a single Read more about Multitasking is just as hard for women as it is for men - Scimex

Are VR headsets the newest pain treatment coming to a hospital near you?

Publicly released: Thu 15 Aug 2019 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

PLOS ONE

Therapeutic virtual reality (VR) could be emerging as an effective alternative to drugs for the treatment of pain in hospitals, according to a study from the US, which found patients reported greater pain reduction from using VR for games and Read more about Are VR headsets the newest pain treatment coming to a hospital near you? - Scimex

New proteomics technique gives insights into ubiquitin signalling

Publicly released: Thu 15 Aug 2019 at 0301 AEST | 0501 NZST

Nature

Australian researchers are among the first in the world to have access to a new approach to understand intricate changes that control how proteins function in our cells in health and disease. The new proteomics technique called ‘ubiquitin Read more about New proteomics technique gives insights into ubiquitin signalling - Scimex

We may not need to be equal to cooperate

Publicly released: Thu 15 Aug 2019 at 0300 AEST | 0500 NZST

Nature

International researchers say a bit of monetary inequality can help a group cooperate with each other, although extreme inequality does the opposite. Using an online two-player game, the researchers investigated the relationship between how much Read more about We may not need to be equal to cooperate - Scimex

Head-on collision may have given Jupiter a gooey centre

Publicly released: Thu 15 Aug 2019 at 0300 AEST | 0500 NZST

Nature Letters

Jupiter's core is not as dense as predicted, according to data sent back by NASA's Juno mission, and scientists think it could be because of a head-on collision with a large planetary object when Jupiter was young. According to an international team, Read more about Head-on collision may have given Jupiter a gooey centre - Scimex

Refugees at higher risk of psychosis

Publicly released: Thu 15 Aug 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA Psychiatry

Refugees are at a higher risk of developing non-affective psychoses (which includes several non-mood related mental disorders including schizophrenia), compared with the native population and nonrefugee migrants, according to international Read more about Refugees at higher risk of psychosis - Scimex

Healthier homes could cut hospital stays for under-twos

Publicly released: Thu 15 Aug 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Thorax

The number of young children hospitalised with acute respiratory infections could be cut by one-fifth if their houses were free from damp and mould. University of Otago researchers conducted a case-control study in two paediatric wards and five Read more about Healthier homes could cut hospital stays for under-twos - Scimex

Forget 'Staying Alive' - when it comes to CPR "push hard, push fast, and do not stop"

Publicly released: Thu 15 Aug 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA Cardiology

US researchers have found the optimum rate for CPR compressions, and it is a little faster than the beats per minute of the Bee Gees classic 'Staying Alive'. The research found that people performing CPR should aim for 107 compressions each minute Read more about Forget 'Staying Alive' - when it comes to CPR "push hard, push fast, and do not stop" - Scimex

Men also need support after miscarriage

Publicly released: Thu 15 Aug 2019 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

ANZJOG

Pregnancy loss can be an emotionally devastating and isolating experience for men, according to researchers who noticed strong evidence of an impact on women, but limited research in the experience of expectant fathers. Aussie researchers looked at Read more about Men also need support after miscarriage - Scimex

Grim picture of puffer use

Publicly released: Thu 15 Aug 2019 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

BMJ Open

Australian asthmatics are overusing reliever medication, according to new research that indicates many are failing to manage their condition. Almost 1 in 5 people who bought their reliever without a prescription reported they had not been diagnosed Read more about Grim picture of puffer use - Scimex

Burp-free cow feed drives seaweed science

Publicly released: Thu 15 Aug 2019 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

A puffy pink seaweed that can stop cows from burping out methane is being primed for mass farming by researchers from the University of the Sunshine Coast. Media Briefing/Press Conference. From:University of the Sunshine Coast. A puffy pink seaweed Read more about Burp-free cow feed drives seaweed science - Scimex

What the frack?! Spikes in atmospheric methane could be caused by fracking

Publicly released: Wed 14 Aug 2019 at 2300 AEST | Thu 15 Aug 2019 at 0100 NZST

Biogeosciences

Growing levels of methane in the atmosphere are not all caused by cow farts, according to international research, which suggests that the spikes in greenhouse gas can be attributed to the mining process known as fracking. According to the study, the Read more about What the frack?! Spikes in atmospheric methane could be caused by fracking - Scimex

Increases in water use efficiency of tropical forests depend on rainfall

Publicly released: Wed 14 Aug 2019 at 1900 AEST | 2100 NZST

Nature Communications

Long-term, tree ring research from the world’s tropical forests has pinpointed how much water plants put back into the atmosphere, compared to how much carbon they take up. By studying how efficiently plants use water, researchers from Swinburne Read more about Increases in water use efficiency of tropical forests depend on rainfall - Scimex

Electrospun fabrics set to protect us from mozzies

Publicly released: Wed 14 Aug 2019 at 0901 AEST | 1101 NZST

Royal Society Open Science

As most mosquito repellents are volatile and need to be reapplied, international researchers thought why not just combine them into our mozzie nets? The team used a process called electrospinning to encapsulate microscopic levels of repellents into Read more about Electrospun fabrics set to protect us from mozzies - Scimex

Unholy snake-ant alliance keeps ants safe from predators

Publicly released: Wed 14 Aug 2019 at 0901 AEST | 1101 NZST

Royal Society Open Science

A Madagascan ant species can tell whether marauding snakes are friend or foe. When ant-eating blind snakes approach an ant nest, the worker ants run back to evacuate their young, leaving a few behind to mount a biting attack on the intruder. But Read more about Unholy snake-ant alliance keeps ants safe from predators - Scimex

Male cane toads don't always tell their horny male friends to 'hop off'

Publicly released: Wed 14 Aug 2019 at 0901 AEST | 1101 NZST

Biology Letters

Male cane toads have a special call to let their horny friends know that they are not ladies, but some immature males don't always tell their friends to hop off, according to Australian researchers. The team have found some toads find the Read more about Male cane toads don't always tell their horny male friends to 'hop off' - Scimex

Frequent social media may be harming teen girls' mental health

Publicly released: Wed 14 Aug 2019 at 0830 AEST | 1030 NZST

The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health

Very frequent use of social media could be harming teenage girls' mental health through exposure to cyberbullying as well as reducing the amount of sleep or physical exercise they have, say British scientists. Only a small amount of the impact on Read more about Frequent social media may be harming teen girls' mental health - Scimex

Fossil of shoulder-height giant penguin found in Canterbury

Publicly released: Wed 14 Aug 2019 at 0700 AEST | 0900 NZST

Alcheringa: An Australasian Journal of Palaeontology

A new species of giant penguin about 1.6 metres tall has been identified from fossils found in Waipara, North Canterbury. Living in New Zealand between 66 and 56 million years ago, the penguin - Crossvallia waiparensis - is one of the world’s Read more about Fossil of shoulder-height giant penguin found in Canterbury - Scimex

Australian National Maritime Museum installs Australia's largest lightweight solar panel roof

Publicly released: Wed 14 Aug 2019 at 0600 AEST | 0800 NZST

The Australian National Maritime Museum announced today, in conjunction with solar panel manufacture SunMan and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), that it has installed Australia’s largest lightweight solar panel roof on its Wharf 7, Read more about Australian National Maritime Museum installs Australia's largest lightweight solar panel roof - Scimex

GirlTTACA: Choosing our offspring's gender on the horizon

Publicly released: Wed 14 Aug 2019 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

PLOS Biology

Japanese researchers are bringing designer babies one step closer with a simple, reversible chemical treatment that can segregate X chromosome bearing sperm from Y chromosome bearing sperm, in mice. The team say that even though male mammals contain Read more about GirlTTACA: Choosing our offspring's gender on the horizon - Scimex

Researchers develop tools to help manage seagrass survival

Publicly released: Wed 14 Aug 2019 at 0201 AEST | 0401 NZST

Methods in Ecology and Evolution

A new QUT-led study has developed a statistical toolbox to help avoid seagrass loss which provides shelter, food and oxygen to fish and at-risk species like dugongs and green turtles. Funder: N/A. Media Release. From:Queensland University of Read more about Researchers develop tools to help manage seagrass survival - Scimex

Anti-viral immune discovery could lead to better vaccines

Publicly released: Wed 14 Aug 2019 at 0101 AEST | 0301 NZST

Cell Reports

Melbourne researchers have identified a molecular switch that impacts immune responses to viral infections, and whether or not protective antibodies are produced. The team also made the surprising discovery that the immune system protects against Read more about Anti-viral immune discovery could lead to better vaccines - Scimex

Controlling your blood pressure earlier may decrease your risk of dementia

Publicly released: Wed 14 Aug 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA

High blood pressure (hypertension) from mid-life to later life, as well as high mid-life blood pressure followed by low blood pressure (hypotension) later in life has been associated with an increased risk of dementia in a study from the US. Across Read more about Controlling your blood pressure earlier may decrease your risk of dementia - Scimex

Media visibility of climate change deniers 49 per cent higher in news that lacks editorial standards

Publicly released: Wed 14 Aug 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature Communications

The overall media visibility of climate change 'contrarians' - who deny human-induced climate change - is 49 per cent higher than scientists who support human-induced climate change, according to international researchers, but this difference is Read more about Media visibility of climate change deniers 49 per cent higher in news that lacks editorial standards - Scimex